During the planning of the event we hoped that representatives of many professions, interest groups and age groups would attend. We believed that only through diversity of perspectives and opinions would we be able to begin a meaningful dialogue. That night, as people streamed through the doors of city council chambers, we greeted teens and elders, principals, ministers and carpenters, parents of children young and old, politicians and therapists, business owners, loggers and teachers alike.

In the discussion that followed, it became clear that no one had come to place blame or shrug off responsibility. The consistent theme was one of community intent on joining together to strengthen Homer's foundation, to focus on a climate of safety and of positive energy for our kids, realizing that the key lies in learning to communicate with each other, with those outside of our immediate circles, and most importantly with our youth.

Dialogue connects us as a community, and after the Oct. 29 meeting, I'm hopeful that the conversation will continue. Thanks to all who participated in this terrific beginning!

Barbara Meyer, Vessels of Hope